1. The Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs

2. Environmental Factors and Early Human Settlement
Water:
drink, bathe and wash things.
source of food.
needed for agriculture.
form of transportation.
Topography:
farmers usually settled in plains and valleys.
mountains and deserts were less friendly to human settlement.
Vegetation:
plants were source of food.
useful products can be made of plants.

3. Environmental Factors and the Early Settlement of Egypt
The Egyptians lived along the northern part of the Nile River and its delta.
In Egypt the Nile is surrounded by deserts which acted as a natural barrier.
The Nile provided natural irrigation and fertilization (a rich top soil was deposited after the yearly flood).
The Nile provided food and a plant called papyrus.

4. Ancient Egypt and Its Rulers
Historians divide Egypt’s three long periods of stability
Old Kingdom ( B.C.E.) a.k.a the Age of the Pyramids
Middle Kingdom ( B.C.E.) a.k.a. Period of Reunification
New Kingdom ( B.C.E.) a.k.a. Egypt’s Golden Age
Religion played a central role in the social and political order. Pharaohs (kings) were considered gods and owned all land

5. Pharaoh Khufu: The Pyramid Builder
Khufu a.k.a Cheops ( B.C.E.) Old Kingdom
built the Great Pyramid (1 of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one still standing). Pyramids were tombs that may have been established to launch the pharaoh into the next life.
helped establish the pharaoh as the central authority.
kept strict control over the food supply.
declared himself a god.

6. Pharaoh Senusret I: Patron of the Arts
During Senusret I ( B.C.E.; Middle Kingdom) reign
Craftspeople made beautiful jewelry.
Great works of literature such as “The Story of Sinuhe” are written.
Many temples, shrines and religious monuments are built.
Almost none of his building survive.

7. Pharaoh Hatshepsut: Promoter of Egyptian Trade
Hatshepsut ( B.C.E., New Kingdom)
Was first female emperor.
Filled her government with royal advisors and demanded same respect as male pharaohs.
Wore men’s clothing, a fake beard, and instructed artists to portray her as a man.
Promoted trade with other countries, especially Punt.
Built a great temple at Dayr al-Bahri

8. Pharaoh Ramses II: Military Leader and Master Builder
Ramses II or Ramses the Great ( B.C.E., New Kingdom)
Reigned for more than 60 years.
Had over 100 wives and 100 children.
Was a fearless soldier.
Was a peacemaker that signed the world’s first peace treaty.
Built a temple so that twice a year the sun lined up with the entrance at Abu Simbel.
Built more temples and monuments than any pharaoh.